What are the Champions of Home Awards?The Champions of Home Awards were created in 2013 to honor California REALTORS® who have made a difference in the lives of their clients by consistently going above and beyond what's expected of them. Each year, this prestigious award will be presented to no more than three California REALTORS® who've worked hard to find solutions to difficult situations and have impacted the lives of clients in an inspirational way.

Who is eligible for the award?Members of C.A.R. in good standing who have completed a minimum of six (6) transactions within the past 24 months are eligible for nomination if they fit the following criteria:

Nominee’s actions demonstrate extraordinary compassion and care in service of their clients.

Nominee has gone to extraordinary lengths on behalf of their clients, above and beyond what is expected in the ethical conduct of good business.

Nominee’s actions and business practices raise the standards for other REALTORS® and serve as an inspiring example for their colleagues and others.

Nominee demonstrates leadership in ethics and exemplary business practices on an ongoing basis.

Nominee is highly respected by colleagues and clients alike.

Nominee’s reputation in general is unimpeachable.

Nominee has acted with the highest ethics and morals in conducting their real estate business.

Can I nominate myself?Yes, to nominate yourself, use the self-nomination form. You will be asked to provide information a statement that includes at least three (3) recent stories that demonstrate how you've gone above and beyond for your clients. You will also be asked for reference information for clients, brokers and colleagues. You may include letters of references from clients or others. It is strongly encouraged that you provide at least one reference from another person along with your submission. Existing letters may be uploaded with your nomination. You will also have the opportunity to send requests to clients via the nomination portal. Client references must be received by May 15 to be considered in the first round of judging.

Does the nominee have to do anything if they're nominated by someone else?The nominee will need to provide references, verify some information about him/herself, and consent to a background check (see nominee consent form). If the nominator has not provided specific stories, the nominee will have the opportunity to supply these. Once the nomination has been submitted, nominees will be contacted via email with a request for the additional information needed to complete the nominating package. Finalists will be contacted by judges for a personal telephone interview as part of the selection process.

Who can nominate?Brokers, colleagues, local associations, and even clients may nominate a member of C.A.R. REALTORS® who meet the criteria may also nominate themselves.

How can I make my nomination stand out?Be specific and be sure to include as much detail as possible. Choose the most compelling and impressive examples of the nominee going above and beyond for their clients. If there are more than three, you may include them, but bear in mind that the judges are looking for quality over quantity. Include stories and examples that demonstrate the nominee’s depth of commitment to clients and the breadth of the impact they've made. Show how the nominee has found solutions to incredibly difficult situations, and how they've made a difference. You may also include letters of reference from clients, colleagues and other industry professionals. These may be uploaded as pdf's on the nomination form, but remember to include contact information for verification purposes.

How can I be sure that you received my nomination?Nominators and nominees will receive an email acknowledging receipt within three (3) business days of the time the nomination is submitted, either confirming completeness or requesting further information.

What happens once you receive the nomination form?Forms will first be reviewed for completeness. Then, nominees will be contacted for consent forms, and client and professional reference information. Nominees will need to return paperwork by the deadline given to continue in the selection process. Client references requested through the nomination portal will need to be submitted no later than May 15, 2015 in order to be reviewed by judges as part of the nominee's materials. Client and professional references will be contacted for finalists only during the vetting period. Each finalist will be interviewed over the telephone by an Awards judge.

How are the award recipient(s) selected?A group of peers (REALTORS®) will serve as judges, and will select the award recipient(s). Judges will be directors of C.A.R. Judges will review entry information confidentially, and determine the extent to which nominees meet the eligibility criteria. Judges’ decisions are final.

When can the recipient(s) expect to be notified?Award recipient(s) will be notified prior to the formal announcement and award presentation in October 2015. Recipient(s) will agree to maintain confidentiality until the official C.A.R. announcement.

What does a Champions of Home award recipient receive?Along with a physical award, a recipient will participate in a variety of public relations activities including a video produced for the award ceremony, and an article and photographs for publication in California Real Estate magazine.